Month: February 2018

With the college basketball regular season virtually complete and conference championship play set to get underway in a mere matter of days, it’s a perfect time to offer up some expert analysis and free picks on the college basketball odds to win the quickly approaching March Madness national championship.

NCAA Basketball Championship Odds & Picks

The 5Dimes Favorite Pick To Win: Michigan State +550

There’s a reason the Spartans (28-3) are the top favorites on the board college oops bettors. Well, there are several actually. The Spartans possess a wealth of size and athleticism that you just don’t see on many teams, even in today’s athletically-crazy times, where every player seems to be some sort of athletic freak of nature. Michigan has a whopping five players averaging double figures in scoring and they rank 31st in scoring (82.1 ppg) and an even more impressive 19th in points allowed (64.6 ppg).

The Spartans also have at least three sure-fire NBA performers in forwards Miles Bridges (16.8 ppg), Nick Ward (13.0 ppg) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (11.4 ppg) and that doesn’t include their pair of blossoming sophomore backcourt starters in point guard Cassius Winston (12.5 ppg) and shooting guard Joshua Langford (12.2 ppg).

The Smart Pick To Win The 2018 NCAA Basketball Title: Villanova +600

It looks like the Villavona Wildcats (25-4) are in the midst of some shocking struggles that have seen the previously top-ranked team in the country drop three of their last six games at the time of this writing, but I haven’t lost faith that they can beat any team in the country and you shouldn’t either. The Wildcats rank first in the nation in scoring (87.5 ppg) and outscore their opponents by a whopping 16.3 points per game as they limit the opposition to 71.2 points per contest. Villanova is the only team in the country that I can think of that has an insane six…repeat…six, double-digit scorers. The Cats can score from the perimeter and down low and are both, mature and well-coached. Make no mistake about it, Villanova is going to be difficult to dispatch once March Madness gets underway, if not impossible.

The Longshot Pick To Win The NCAA Basketball Championship: Wichita State +2000

Wichita State entered the regular season as one of the top favorites to win the national championship, but right about now, they are most definitely reminding everyone of that fact as they’ve won six straight and eight of their last nine games. The Shockers are ranked a stellar 16th in scoring (84.2 ppg) and limit the opposition to 71.1 points per game defensively. Wichita State is ranked 29th in field goal shooting percentage (48.3%) and 28th in three-point shooting (39.4%) while also ranking 58th in defensive field goal percentage (41.8%). The Shockers have four players averaging double figures in scoring and a whopping five more that each average at least 5.1 points per contest, so they’ve got plenty of offensive firepower, not to mention that head coach Gregg Marshall is now, clearly established as one of the most elite college hoops coaches in the nation. The Shockers have the look of a dangerous team right about now, even if they’re not exactly the longest of longshots!

With the 2017-18 NBA regular season now past its annual all-star game, teams in both conferences are ready to put the pedal to the metal in the hopes of winning this season’s NBA championship. With that thought in mind, the expert analysis that you’re about to get on the most recent NBA championship futures odds could help you cash in big on this year’s NBA Finals.

NBA Title Odds & Picks

Golden State Warriors -168

Houston Rockets +550

Cleveland Cavaliers +720

Boston Celtics +1200

Toronto Raptors +1775

Oklahoma City Thunder +3250

San Antonio Spurs +4000

Washington Wizards +6250

Milwaukee Bucks +6250

Minnesota Timberwolves +7350

Philadelphia 76ers +8000

The 2018 NBA Title Betting Favorite: Golden State Warriors -168

The Warriors (44-13) are the prohibitive favorites for a reason people. Despite the fact that they’ve appeared vulnerable at times this season, Golden State still has a quartet of all-stars in Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. The Dubs rank first across the board offensively, third in defensive field goal percentage and 10th in defensive three-point percentage. Right now, I’m expecting Golden State to pick up the level of their play over their final regular season games as they look to send a message to several of their Western Conference challengers, first and foremost, Houston.

The 2018 NBA Title Smart Pick: Houston Rockets +550

Speaking of the Rockets (44-13), there’s no denying the fact that Houston has the look of a team that could dethrone the Warriors this postseason. Houston ranks second in scoring (114.1 ppg) and a respectable 12th in points allowed. The Rockets added future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul to go along with league MVP contender James Harden, blossoming big man Clint Capela and their cast of competent role players like Eric Gordon, Trevor Ariza, and Ryan Anderson. Houston matches up well against Golden State and took two of three against their conference rivals during the regular season. If the Rockets play any sort of competent defense this postseason, they look like they’ll have a good shot to take out Golden State.

The 2018 NBA Title Longshot Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves +7350

The Timberwolves have one of the game’s best young big men in all-star center Karl Anthony Towns (20.2 ppg), and two excellent perimeter players in small forward Andrew Wiggins (17.5 ppg) and veteran shooting guard Jimmy Butler (22.4 ppg). The T-Wolves also have a trio of other competent veterans in point guard Jeff Teague (13.1 ppg), shooting guard Jamal Crawford (10.1 ppg) and power forward Taj Gibson (12.4 ppg). While their bench leaves a lot to be desired and there’s just something about head coach Tom Thibodeau that I don’t like, I like the value that Minnesota is offering as a +7350 longshot.

The annual kick-off for the Race to the Cup begins in earnest on Sunday, Feb. 18. The best NASCAR drivers head to Daytona to battle it out in the Great American Race aka the Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing. Race favorite Brad Keselowski is looking to start the new NASCAR season on the right foot. Will Keselowski do it? Or is there a smarter Daytona 500 betting pick? Perhaps a longshot?

Odds & Picks to Win the 2018 Daytona 500

The 2018 Daytona 500 Betting Favorite: Brad Keselowski +800

Brad Keselowski has never won the Daytona 500. He did start seventh in last year’s Daytona 500. Unfortunately, he ended up finishing twenty-seventh. An accident led to Keselowski’s terrible finish. Although Keselowski’s start to last year’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series wasn’t auspicious, he managed to finish fourth overall.

That’s not bad at all. It sets him up for a lot of success in 2018. It might not set him up for that much success at Daytona on Feb. 18, though. He does start in tenth in Duel 1. That will give him a shot at a nice starting position on Sunday. Still, I’m not sold. I’m looking elsewhere.

The 2018 Daytona 500 Smart Bet: Jimmie Johnson +1400

Jimmie Johnson’s last Daytona 500 win was in 2013. Since that time, he hasn’t had the best racing luck in the first NASCAR event of the year. JJ could come up big on Feb. 18, though. Let’s not forget that he’s one of the best NASCAR drivers of all time. He also finished tenth in last year’s Monster Energy Cup Series.

In 2016, Jimmie won the Monster Energy Cup Series. He’s driving as well as he ever has while even though Hendrick Motorsports has gone through some changes, he remains the anchor to the powerful NASCAR team. I like Jimmie’s odds. He starts behind Alex Bowman in Duel 1. That could lead to a nice starting position on Sunday. I think Jimmie bounces back in a huge way at the 2018 Daytona 500.

The 2018 Daytona 500 Longshot: Kurt Busch +2500

Kurt Busch won the 2017 Daytona 500. It was Busch’s first Daytona 500 win. He could be in line for a back-to-back because his past couple of seasons with Stewart-Haas Racing has led to very good finishes at the Daytona 500.

In addition to winning the race in 2017, Busch finished tenth in 2016. He should manage to do well again in 2017. Busch is one of the most competitive drivers at NASCAR. He might just pull off the repeat Daytona 500 win.

With the Super Bowl in the rear view mirror, don’t sleep on an action packed weekend of sports that includes the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, the NBA All-Star game, the Daytona 500 and more Winter Olympic action.

2018 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Odds & Picks

Dennis Smith Jr. +150

Donovan Mitchell +215

Larry Nance Jr. +275

Victor Oladipo +500

2018 NBA All-Star Game Odds

Team Stephen +3½ -115

Team Lebron -3½ -115

Daytona 500

The 2018 NASCAR season starts it’s engines on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET with the Daytona 500. Last year, Brad Keselowski was one of the favorites to win the Daytona 500 and ended up a disappointing 27th after a crash, as Kurt Busch took the checkered flag for the first time in his career.

Keselowski is the Daytona 500 betting favorite at 7/1, followed closely by Denny Hamlin at 8/1. Hamlin opened at 10/1, the same as Kevin Harvick and Joey Logano, before moving up the odds board.

Opening Daytona 500 Odds

Brad Keselowski 7/1

Denny Hamlin 8/1

Joey Logano 10/1

Kevin Harvick 10/1

Chase Elliott 10/1

Kyle Busch 10/1

Kyle Larson 12/1

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 12/1

Martin Truex Jr 12/1

Jimmy Johnson 12/1

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The 2018 Major League Baseball season begins on March 29th, but Grapefruit and Cactus action starts on Feb 23rd. But our oddsmakers have the latest 2018 World Series ready for you to bet today!

2018 World Series Odds & Picks

The 2018 World Series Favorite: New York Yankees +505

After coming up one game short of reaching the World Series last year and adding big bat Giancarlo Stanton (59 HR), the New York Yankees (91-71) are the prohibitive favorites to win the 2018 World Series. The AL runner-ups have a powerful batting order that features Stanton, Aaron Judge (52 HR), Gary Sanchez (33 HR) and other up-and-coming young hitters like left-fielder Brett Gardner, shortstop Didi Gregorius and first baseman Greg Bird among others. Not only that, but New York has the makings of a fantastic starting pitching staff led by ace Luis Severino (14-6), Masahiro Tanaka, Sonny Gray and veteran C.C. Sabathia (14-5). If New York’s bullpen performs at a high level, it could be lights out for every other AL World Series hopeful in 2018.

The Smart Pick To Win The 2018 World Series: Houston Astros +650

The Astros (101-61) are returning most of their core of players that led them to the 2017 World Series championship, so clearly, they’re going to contend. In addition to AL MVP Jose Altuve, gifted shortstop Carlos Correa and World Series MVP George Springer, Houston will have ace right-hander Justin Verlander for an entire season after he went 5-0 with a 1.06 ERA in five starts in the regular season while winning the MVP of the ALCS against the Yankees. Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers Jr., and Charlie Morton give the Astros a formidable starting pitching staff. Like the Yankees, the Astros need their bullpen to deliver, but there’s no reason to believe Houston won’t really contend in 2018.

The Longshot Pick To Win The 2018 World Series: Colorado Rockies +4500

The Rockies went 87-75 last season and advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 2009. However, Colorado could be even better than they were a year ago, thanks to the expected maturation of a quartet of young hurlers that were all just finding their way in 2017 and a powerful offense that ranked third in scoring (5.09 rpg) and second in team batting average. Colorado added closer Wade Davis and setup man Bryan Shaw and I believe they could take another step forward in 2018 even if no one else sees it coming. Yes, the Rockies finished third in the NL West behind both, the Dodgers and Diamondbacks, but isn’t that what the definition of a longshot is?

With the 2018 NBA All-Star festivities taking place this coming weekend, roundball bettors everywhere have the opportunity to cash in with a potentially winning wager on the slam dunk contest odds that are currently being offered.

2018 NBA Slam Dunk Odds & Picks

NBA Slam Dunk Odds

Dennis Smith Jr. +150

Donovan Mitchell +215

Larry Nance Jr. +275

Victor Oladipo +500

Dennis Smith Jr. +150 wins Slam Dunk contest

The rookie point guard for the Dallas Mavericks is the favorite for a couple of reasons despite having a modest 27 dunks on the season. Despite standing ‘just’ 6’3”, Smith is a high-flying aerial acrobat that has an explosiveness to him that is reminiscent of Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook. Smith threw down a 360 dunk against Washington earlier this season, plus he’s boys with LeBron James, so there’s that!

Donovan Mitchell +215 wins Slam Dunk contest

Donovan ‘Spida’ Mitchell is a 6’3” rookie for the Utah Jazz, but unlike Smith, he’s a true shooting guard that will challenge for the Rookie of the Year award this season. The former Louisville star has a 7’0” wingspan and is averaging a stunning 19.5 points per game. Not only that, but Mitchell has thrown down 25 dunks this season with many of them being explosive jams that have come in the faces of several unsuspecting opponents.

Larry Nance Jr. +275 wins Slam Dunk contest

Larry Nance Jr. has thrown down a whopping 59 dunks this season, so he’s the clear, slam dunk contest leader. Nance, however, is 6’9” and that generally is a negative for slam dunk contest fans and bettors that love to see smaller players with big hops rise up and throw down hellacious jams. Still, the former Lakers reserve could get some love from his former Staples Center fans – and the voters.

Victor Oladipo +500 wins Slam Dunk contest

Veteran shooting guard Victor Oladipo is in the midst of a breakout campaign that has seen him put up a stellar 24.4 points per game. Standing 6’4”, Oladipo has some really good ups and has thrown down 47 dunks on the season, with many coming in completely astonishing fashion. Oladipo threw down a 360 against the Chicago Bulls earlier this season and last year’s dunk contest winner also played for the Pacers (Glenn Robinson III).

Don’t miss out on UFC 221: Romero Vs Rockhold from Australia this weekend.

Former UFC Middleweight champion Luke Rockhold gets another shot at the the belt, albeit interim, this Saturday, Feb. 10th when he faces Cuban superhuman Yoel “Soldier of God” Romero in UFC 221’s main event.

The 2018 Winter Olympics light the flame this Friday, Feb. 8 and run until Feb. 25 from Pyeongchang, South Korea. Currently, the betting odds on the 2018 Winter Olympics USA gold medal count over/under is 10 with the over paying -135 while the under pays +105.

In the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, USA won 9 gold medals. Team USA won 28 total medals overall at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

Bet on USA Gold Medal Over 10 because…

USA has won at least 9 gold medals in the last 3 Winter Olympics. In addition to taking home 9 gold medals in Sochi in 2014, USA took home 9 gold medals in Vancouver in 2010. In the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, USA also took home 9 gold medals. At Salt Lake City in 2002, USA took home 10 gold medals.

Bet on USA Gold Medal Under 10 because…

The Russians won’t strive for gold medals for Mother Russia. However, Russian athletes will still compete in the 2018 Winter Olympics. Those Russian athletes that don’t compete are likely to benefit Norway, who is expected to grab up to 40 medals total, and Germany. Canada should also benefit from the Russian athletes that won’t compete.

Team USA? Not so much.

USA Gold Medal Over/Under Prediction

Notice that the odds are over or under 10? That’s an important distinction because USA hasn’t won at least 10 gold medals since the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Team USA has won 9 gold medals in the past 3 Winter Olympics. To me, that says something about USA’s chances of winning over 10 golds at Pyeongchang this month.

Mikaela Shiffrin burst onto the alpine skiing scene in 2014 with two gold medals, including one in slalom. She’s attempting to repeat that success 4 years later. It’s possible. I’m not holding my breath.

Lindsey Vonn one of the most famous Olympic female skiers of all time, just won an event in December. However, she has a long history of injuries. Vonn winning gold is a toss-up at best. There’s also the hope that athlete Lowell Bailey takes home a medal, any medal, in the biathlon. He finished eighth in the biathlon in 2014. Gold? Not even close.

There’s a huge hope that U.S. Women’s Hockey Team breaks Canada’s stranglehold on gold. I don’t see it happening.

All told, USA winning over 10 gold medals is a possibility. It’s by no means a -135 possibility. I’m willing to take a shot on USA coming up just short. Under 10 gold medals is the much better wager. I believe Team USA leaves Pyeongchang with 9 gold medals, just like they did in Turin, Vancouver, and Sochi.